Jan Voskens (The Netherlands) was a landscape architect and one of the driving forces behind the development of landscape architecture as both a profession and a professional community in the Netherlands and Europe. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to strengthen the discipline, promote international collaboration, and support the recognition of landscape architecture as an essential component of spatial planning and environmental stewardship.

After graduating in Landscape Architecture from Wageningen University in 1974, including a period of study in Massachusetts, USA, Jan demonstrated an international outlook from the very beginning of his career. His graduation project laid the foundation for the first National Park of Curaçao, Christoffel Park, a vision whose principles have largely stood the test of time. Professionally, he worked for the engineering consultancy Grontmij and later for the Province of Utrecht, where he contributed to landscape planning and regional development.

Within the Netherlands, Jan played a pivotal role in strengthening the professional organisation of landscape architects. As a long-standing member of the Dutch Association of Landscape Architects (NVTL), he was instrumental in the merger of the Association for Garden and Landscape Architecture (VTL) and the Union of Dutch Garden Architects (BNT), which led to the creation of the NVTL in 1983. He was also a strong advocate for professional recognition and title protection and served on the Dutch admission committee responsible for professional registration under the Architects’ Title Act.

Jan was an early champion of innovation and knowledge exchange. In 1983, he co-organised the pioneering symposium “Computers and Landscape Architecture”, exploring the future role of digital technology in the profession long before it became mainstream. His ability to connect people, ideas, and emerging developments made him a respected figure both nationally and internationally.

At the international level, Jan was one of the principal architects of European cooperation in landscape architecture. As the Dutch representative to the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) for more than a decade, he actively promoted collaboration between national associations. In 1989, he became one of the founding fathers of the European Foundation for Landscape Architecture (EFLA), the organisation that would later evolve into IFLA Europe. His vision was instrumental in shaping EFLA as an open and inclusive organisation, welcoming everyone committed to the advancement of landscape architecture.

Jan also helped organise landmark international events, including the 1988 IFLA World Congress in Rotterdam, themed Changing Agriculture, Changing Landscapes. The congress attracted significant international attention and contributed to emerging discussions on the relationship between agriculture, landscape change, and environmental policy at both national and European levels.

In 2014, during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of EFLA/IFLA Europe in Oslo, Jan was formally recognised for his foundational contribution to the organisation and was appointed an Honorary Member of IFLA Europe. A year later, the Dutch Association of Landscape Architects (NVTL) also honoured him with Extraordinary Membership in recognition of his exceptional service to the profession.

Despite facing increasing limitations caused by multiple sclerosis in later life, Jan remained deeply engaged with the landscape architecture community. He is remembered as a visionary, a bridge-builder, and a passionate advocate for international cooperation. His commitment to the profession, his generosity towards colleagues, and his belief in the power of landscape architecture continue to inspire future generations across Europe.